Pirnmill Hills: Mullach Buidhe of Beinn Bharrain

Compared to their illustrious neighbours on the eastern side of Arran, the Pirnmill hills are unfrequented and unassuming. However, a round of these hills provides a very enjoyable day with fine views. Notwithstanding the OS map, Beinn Bharrain is the name of the whole hill, with Mullach Buidhe the highest of its summits.

Terrain

Boggy approach path. Some tricky scrambling on the ridge, but this can be bypassed. Straightforward hillwalking on the tops, with a good path on the final descent.

Public Transport

Bus to Pirnmill.

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 6 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is parking in Pirnmill opposite the shop and cafe. The walk begins up the lane beside the cottages here, signed as a footpath. It soon swings left and then right as it climbs uphill. Ignore a path off to the left, continuing uphill to a bend. At this point leave the track and turn right onto a narrow, signed path into the birchwoods. The path is muddy in places, crosses several stiles and comes close to the burn for views of some waterfalls. Eventually it runs along the left side of a fence and then crosses a huge stile before continuing up the other side.

Stage 2

The trees are now left behind as the path continues up moorland. There are views of a spectacular waterfall on the Allt Gobhlach before the route crosses one of the two tributaries. Eventually the gradient levels out, and a small hydro works is reached on the more southerly tributary. Cross the burn just below this to reach the end of a bulldozed hydro track (this is an alternative route up from Pirnmill - drier but much less scenic than the path).

Stage 3

Two ridges sweep up to Beinn Bharrain from here, either side of Coire Roinn. Non-scramblers should take the right hand (westerly) ridge; our route heads for the left ridge. The path peters out below the ridges; ascend steep moorland at first, picking up a faint path once more; the going becomes rockier as the ascent continues towards a rocky tower. This can easily be ascended by means of two ramps, or bypassed to the right.

Stage 4

The crest of the ridge is narrow, with rounded granite boulders, but any scrambling can be avoided below the crest on the right. Part way along a more difficult section is reached (see photo) - there are some trickier scrambling moves to take this direct which would take this route up to Grade 5 - but they can be avoided by taking a bypass route down to the right which descends below the slabs until you can regain the ridge up grassy slopes.

Stage 5

Either way, the scrambling ends suddenly and a broad grassy ridge leads on up to the summit - Mullach Buidhe, marked with a rather eroded trig point and a cairn.

Stage 6

The views are outstanding, both over the Kilbrannan Sound to Kintyre - with the Paps of Jura visible beyond in clear weather - and towards the main Arran ranges which look magnificent to the east. Descend the broad ridge to the bealach above Glas Choirein.

Stage 7

The ridge now curves round and on up to the summit of Beinn Bhreac, an enjoyable traverse. Continue northwards across a slight bealach to another summit above Coirein Lochain.

Stage 8

Either arm cradling this corrie can be descended, the more easterly being a little less steep. A path is gained on the final rockier section down to the bealach below Meall Bhig. From here a boggy path makes directly for the north shore of Coire Fhionn Lochan, or a higher, initiall drier path traverses across the slopes a little higher before petering out. Either way, the excellent path that runs down the south side of the burn from Coire Fhionn Lochan can be joined.

Stage 9

The path has been much improved in recent years, and passes some attractive small waterfalls on a steeper section. Eventually it reaches the cottages at Thundergay; go through the kissing gate here and continue down past the houses to reach the road. Turn left along the shoreside road for the final walk of just over 2km back to the start.